Saturday, March 21, 2020

Week In Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (March 15-21, 2020)


As the world starts to shut down due to COVID-19, one of the things we can take solace in is music. Luckily, in the midst of chaos, there is still new music being put out. This week saw some great new songs and music videos hit the internet, especially when it came to rock and pop music.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again scoured the internet for the week’s hottest new tracks. Here are 7 (and a few more) that we think are worth revisiting as you socially-distance this weekend.


1.       Alkaline Trio, “Minds Like Minefields”: One of three new songs from Alkaline Trio’s surprise new EP,’E.P.,’ “Minds Like Minefields” is the kind of melodic, fast-paced pop-punk you would expect from the band. Matt Skiba’s haunting vocals add a heaviness to the song’s energetic instrumental melody, though not enough to weigh it down. The ghost-like gang vocals and scattered plunked piano notes during the breakdown add another layer to the track.  (video)

2.       Finneas, “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night”: Originally released in 2018, Finneas has released a video for ‘Blood Harmony’ track “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night.” The one-take video, similar to the ones for “I Lost A Friend” and “Shelter,” finds the singer/producer playing ukulele on a Los Angeles rooftop before getting up to interact with a troop of dancers. But it’s a visual that seems to work for his acoustic, heartfelt vibe. The song starts out acoustic with just the uke and Finneas’ vocals, then quickly picks up with the addition of a sparse, hand-clap-like beat guiding the ramped up pace. It’s very easy to listen and groove along to.  (video)

3.       Ben Gibbard, “Life During Quarantine”: Ben Gibbard has a way about his voice and songwriting that really tugs at the heartstrings. Written for the city of Seattle and performed during his daily live stream this week, “Life During Quarantine” speaks about the lack of being near the ones you love during these uncertain times. The gravity of the song evoked tears on first listen. (video)

4.       The Pretenders, “The Buzz”: The Pretenders announced a new album this week and gave fans a taste of what’s to come with its lead single “The Buzz.” The song sounds fresh and clear, bringing the band’s classic sound into today. Chrissie Hynde’s strong vocals lead the way over the upbeat, clean guitar melody and steady backbone rhythm section. (video)

5.       Devon, “Belong 2 U”: “Belong 2 U” is a feel-good pop-rock jam ready to get you through the isolation blues. Upbeat and catchy, the song bursts with big rock guitars and even bigger energy, making it almost impossible to resist the urge to get up and dance. (video)

6.       Deep Purple, “Throw My Bones”: The first single from Deep Purple’s upcoming ‘Whoosh!’ album, “Throw My Bones” is a heavy, swirling hard rock jam with a weighty bass line and noodle-y guitars. Ian Gillan’s haunting, blues-y vocals loom over it all prophetically, giving the song the call to action message he intends. (video)

7.       The Avalanches feat. Rivers Cuomo & Pink Siifu, “Running Red Lights”: “Running Red Lights” toes the line between melancholy and upbeat in such an easy way. The song is not so upbeat that it’s underlying topic of loss is unimaginable, but it doesn’t feel like a downer either. Cuomo’s voice works effortlessly with the aesthetic the band creates here. When Pink Siifu comes in near the end with a quote from David Berman’s Purple Mountains track “Darkness and Cold,” it all makes sense. There’s a heftiness to the song, but also a lightness to balance it out. (video)

Further Listening:
·         Waxahatchee, “Can’t Do Much”: (video)
·         The Radio Dept., “You Fear the Wrong Thing Baby”: (video)
·         Violent Soho, “Pick It Up Again”: (video)


This week saw a lot of good rock and pop songs and music videos hit the internet amidst the pandemic at our doors. Being cooped up inside, there is no better time to take a look back at the week’s new music. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new tunes you’ve been digging this week in the comments below.

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Vinyl Bay 777 is your music outlet, an independent record shop devoted to bringing you a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in a variety of genres both in-store and on our website, vinylbay777.com. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, we will be closed as of Sunday, March 22. We look forward to returning in the near future to help you with all your music needs. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy. Rock on!

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